The KZN Hawks arrested an alleged hitman early this morning in connection with the murder of an Umzimkhulu police officer last year.

The 36-year-old was arrested in the Mpolweni area near Pietermaritzburg and will be charged with murder.

He is expected to appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo says it’s alleged that Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa was killed by the hitman who was allegedly hired by her fiancé and fellow cop, Sergeant Ntokozo Mngqithi.

In November last year, Mnqithi was arrested for the murder of Hawks members from Port Shepstone’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation.

According to preliminary police reports, on April 11 last year, Mbanjwa was in her home in Umzimkhulu when she was shot at by an unknown person.

“No one was present during the incident and Mngqithi discovered the ordeal when he returned home later that evening. Both members were stationed at Umzimkhulu Police Station.

“A case of murder was reported at Umzimkhulu Police Station and Hawks members attended the crime scene. A thorough investigation was conducted and positive leads were followed. As a result, Mngqithi was arrested,” says Mhlongo.

Mngqithi was charged by the Hawks with corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

The other charges relate to a case of culpable homicide Mngqithi was investigating after a truck collided with a light motor vehicle and seven passengers died in November 2022.

“It is alleged Mngqithi approached the truck driver and demanded a R60 000 gratification to squash the docket. Crucial evidence was not submitted to court despite many instructions on the docket. He allegedly lied about the evidence and the case was provisionally withdrawn.

“The case docket was allocated to another investigating officer and Mngqithi’s alleged foul play was discovered. During the Hawks investigation it was discovered Mngqithi was allegedly paid more than R30 000 to his bank account,” says Mhlongo.